The second audio set I purchased was Unleash the Power Within by Tony Robbins. This was one of Tony's earlier recordings. Yet it was no less powerful in my life. The choice to change lies within. Tony's variation of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) termed Neuro-Associative Conditioning (NAC) is a phenomenal technique to overcome any challenge we face, to achieve success in all areas of your life. Tony has been labeled wrongly as a "Motivational Speaker" yet his training proves that to be a poor choice of titles.

Larry King of CNN once said, "You bring out the best in all of us, Tony Robbins. The world is a better place because of you." I cannot agree more. Tony is recognized throughout the world for his ability to assist the willing to implement radical change in their lives. He has affected millions, from World Leaders to the average Joe! There is not a week that goes by that I do not listen to or reflect on his program.

You may be wondering who is Diane Johnson? If you met her you would know why she is third on the list of influence for The Last Resort Recovery Program. There are not many people in this world that you meet you just know they are special well, Diane is one of them. Diane Johnson was the Director of Suffolk Intensive Case Management, a joint project of the NY State Office of Mental health and Suffolk County Office of Mental Hygiene.

Diane was the best supervisor I have ever worked with. Notice I said worked with and not for. That was the key. I always believed she was my colleague of course with the utmost respect and humility. Her style of supervision should be replicated in all fields and companies. She knew how to teach, inspire, reprimand and guide her subordinates to making good decisions effective. Her ability to deal with multi-bureaucracies was second to none.

Diane allowed me the flexibility to utilize my strengths to enhance my ability to serve our clients.

He is the founder of the A.L. Williams Corporation, which eventually became Primerica, a Citi Company. Art Williams is a man of courage and an example that if you follow your passion success will follow. Art took basically a small group of teachers on a part time mission to eradicate an injustice in the field of Insurance. His father had died at a young age with a small insurance policy that forced the family to struggle.

He learned later in life that the insurance industry knew that for most folk's low cost term insurance was the answer. Buy term and invest the rest was a better option for the middle class. Yet the industry pushed the higher priced permanent insurance. Art set out to eradicate this injustice with a small group of part time workers. That small group went on to single handedly change the industry of insurance.

From studying Mr. Williams, I learned that passion and purpose was far more important than money. Money will follow passion and purpose. His motivational style and determination are unmatched in this world.

The book, "Think and Grow Rich" is the accounting of how wealth is attained. Hill was petitioned to study the wealthiest men in the world by Andrew Carnegie then the wealthiest of the wealthy. Art Williams introduced me to Hill in his book "All You Can Do Is All You Can Do, But, All You Can Do Is Enough". Hills techniques and teachings on how to think opened my eyes to opportunity. Effective rehabs do not have to be controlled by the healthcare industry. Alternative methods must be available and cost effective for everyone.

The DVD The Secret has paved the way for the awareness of The Law of Attraction. Folks like Oprah and Larry King have enhanced the credibility of the DVD by standing behind the spiritual law. The professionals in the video have impacted us in the way we present our treatment modalities as well as creating belief and credibility in the process.

Bob Proctor, Jack Canfield, Joe Vitale are a few of the presenters that have made a significant impact in our process. Jack Canfields Success Principles are a phenomenal tool for anyone to maintain a healthy and productive life. The spiritual principles of Joe Vitale are second to none. We utilize the six key points and five steps of "The Attractor Factor" in our process. We also view the DVD "The Secret" at least weekly.

They are the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill W and Dr. Bob lead the way for all folks in recovery. Their persistence and courage lead the way for people to believe that recovery was possible for those afflicted with alcoholism. The development of the twelve steps and twelve traditions paved the way for growth of the self-help industry.

Dr. John C. Maxwell 

Dr Maxwell is an author, leader and the world’s authority on Leadership development.  John is a motivational speaker and trainer for fortune 500 companies, Mega-Churches, the United States Military Academy, West Point, the NFL, United Nations Ambassadors and much more. 

His influence on me personally through the years has been via his numerous books, audio series and subscription’s and Leadership conferences that I have been blessed to attend.  John Maxwell is the epitome of Leadership not only in words but in the way he leads his life. 

Ellen Healion, M.A.

Executive Director, Hands Across Long Island, Inc.

Ellen is the Executive Director of Hands Across Long Island, Inc., HALI, the worlds most prominent, prolific and largest peer run mental health service provider.  HALI began at The Kings Park State Mental Health Hospital by a small group of mental health consumers and a social worker, Kathy Rogers, LCSW. 

That small group of motivated people has now developed into a prominent agency and frontrunner in the mental health Peer (consumer-run) movement.  Ellen’s leadership at HALI is only a small part of her accomplishments.  She sits on New York State wide committees, has consulted with consumer groups, Presidential First Ladies, multiple public servants and politicians at all levels of government and much more.

Ellen has impacted various aspects of my leadership, administrative skills and program development, but nothing compares to what she taught me about reframing the “HOW” and “WHY” of program development while not alienating the various other players and their interests.  Her willingness to think outside the box when it comes to program development was paramount in my career.